Serie A News

Why Gianfranco Zola's Role as U-21 Supervisor is as Important as Italy's Head Coach and Technical Director

July 31, 2026Diego Herrera1 мин

The recent reform implemented in Serie C, spearheaded by the deputy vice-president, carries Gianfranco Zola's name. Its primary objective is to nurture and promote young Italian talent. This initiative significantly amplifies the principles outlined in a dossier presented by Roberto Baggio 14 years ago, a proposal that was ultimately rejected by the FIGC, leading to Baggio's resignation as president of the Technical Sector.

English Translation and Paraphrasing

Gianfranco Zola's new position as supervisor of the Under-21 national team is gaining significant importance, rivaling the influence of the senior national team's head coach and technical director. This reform, which has been enacted in Serie C, is notably associated with the deputy vice-president's efforts. The core aim of this reform is to foster the development of Italy's young footballers. In doing so, it revives and strengthens the directives proposed in a comprehensive plan submitted by Roberto Baggio fourteen years prior. This earlier proposal, however, was dismissed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), an event that subsequently prompted Roberto Baggio to step down from his role as president of the Technical Sector.